Stay safe around water

Stay safe around water

We want to ensure visitors to Lee Valley stay safe during their visit so read our dos and don'ts on how to stay safe around water.

Entering open, unsupervised waters within Lee Valley Regional Park is a very dangerous activity. Therefore the following guidance should be followed at all times. Lee Valley Regional Park has officers patrolling the park and their role is to advise and stop any activity that is dangerous or is in contravention of the Park Byelaws. Those persons who commit an offence under the byelaws may be removed from the park and/or liable to a fine.

To remain safe around water in Lee Valley Regional Park:

Do not go in to the water under any circumstances – NO PADDLING AND NO SWIMMING!

Do not go into the water to rescue wildlife or pets, as they are normally able to get themselves out

Do not take unnecessary risks in or around water bodies

Do read and take notice of warning signs. Think about the hazards near to and at the water’s edge, banks can be slippery when wet. If you fall in, it may be difficult to get out

Do supervise young children and help keep them safe by stopping them going in to water or playing near the water’s edge

Do know your child’s whereabouts at all times

Do not assume because you can swim in a pool that you can deal with the challenges of open water swimming

Do not consume alcohol in or around water bodies as it may seriously impair your ability and judgement

Do keep your dogs on a lead when near water for their safety

It is against the Park Byelaws to go into or onto the water. Those breaking the byelaws may be removed from the park or liable to a fine

If you see someone get into trouble:

Call the emergency services 999

Try finding something which will extend your reach, such as a rope, pole or branch

Throw the object out and, once ensuring you are stable on the bank either by lying down or having someone hold on to you, pull them in

If you can't find something to reach with, try finding an object that will float and throw that out to them

Continue to reassure the casualty and keep them talking until help arrives

Once the person has been rescued, keep them still to maintain heat and energy and ensure they go to hospital even if they appear to be unaffected

Staying safe around water

Please watch the short film by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency below about staying safe around cold water.